Cornwall

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Branch News

  • CAMRA Cornwall Presentation to Treen’s Brewery Monday 23 December 2024

    Saturday the 7 December 2024 was notable for two memorable events. The first was Storm Darragh that lashed Cornwall with howling winds and rain bringing down trees, cables and any CAMRA members who got in the way. The second was the presentation of two CAMRA certificates to Treen’s Brewery at the Stag Hunt at Ponsanooth.

    Not to be put off, especially due to the lure of Treen’s beers on the bar, I set off by bus for Ponsanooth, planning to use the A roads which I hoped would be less likely to be blocked. So far so good until it became clear that the first bus was making heavy weather and not going to make my change point in time to catch the second bus to get to the pub. Desperate measures were called for. I got off the bus by Kennal Bridge and walked up the wooded viaduct valley with swaying trees dropping twigs and branches down on me. I passed the entrance to Treen’s and Dynamite Valley breweries and arrived on time at the pub unscathed. As the Poacher advert went “I’ve never known a night like it, and I’m not looking forward to the journey home neither!”

    Landlord Wayne Randle had a wonderful range of Treen’s beer so I got stuck in!

    There were two certificates to be presented to Simon Treen for winning gold places in CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain heats. Well done, Simon!

    Cornwall Branch Chair Paul Waller made the presentations to Simon. A good time was had by all.

    Eventually it was time to face Darragh again. Fortunately, the beer has improved since 1987 even if the weather hasn’t.

    Cheers, Steve Barber

  • Devon elf on the loose Monday 23 December 2024

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    A notorious elf from Devon is on the loose. May be dangerous to approach unless you are armed with beer.

  • Merry Christmas to all Members Monday 23 December 2024

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    Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all CAMRA members.

    Here’s raising a glass to 2024 and looking forward to meeting up in 2025.

    # get behind socials

  • Barrel at Bude Christmas Opening Hours Sunday 22 December 2024

  • Brendon Arms Christmas Opening Hours Friday 20 December 2024

  • Golden Lion Port Isaac Christmas Opening Hours Thursday 19 December 2024

  • The Wilcove Inn Christmas Opening Hours Tuesday 17 December 2024

    Our Christmas & New year opening times

    Christmas Eve- 12:00-19:00 (food 12:00-17:00)

    Christmas Day - CLOSED

    Boxing Day - CLOSED

    27th-30th Normal hours

    New Year’s Eve - 12:00-1:30 am (food 17:00-21:30)

    New Year’s Day - 12:00-17:00 (food 12:00-15:00)

    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all x

  • Star Inn Vogue Christmas Opening Hours Monday 16 December 2024

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  • Tintagel Brewery Shop Christmas Opening Hours Monday 16 December 2024

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  • Treens Christmas Opening Hours Monday 16 December 2024

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  • We need your support Monday 16 December 2024

    We need your support.

    A major drive in early 2025 is to recruit more people wanting to get involved in the running of the branch.

    Below is a list of skillsets we require in order to reach the ambitions set by the committee to grow the branch and offer a better experience for members, breweries and pubs.

    There is a vacancy page on the website for specific committee roles which need filling. In addition a list below of more specific skill requirements.

    Some targets for 2025:

    * Increase membership through proactive marketing

    * Recruit young members and reform this section

    * Reconfirm the importance of Cider and Perry within CAMRA Kernow

    * Reconfirm the importance of Clubs within CAMRA Kernow

    * Market the branch and CAMRA to a wider audience through digital medium

    * Produce and market a good quality newsletter

    * Ensure we have as many pubs offering members discount - big campaign in January 25

    * Ensure we have as many pubs offering to take CAMRA vouchers - big campaign in January 25

    * Update Whatpub data

    So if people with a little bit of spare time and have experience in the following fields please get in touch.

    * Social Media Marketing or Management - Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn

    * Finance and Accounting

    * Sales , Advertising & Marketing

    * Magazine or Newsletter publishing/editorial

    * Travel and or organising group events

    * Photography (professional or hobbiest)

    * Content Writers

    Paul Waller Chairman

  • Tim’s Tipple Driftwood Spars Saturday 14 December 2024

    It’s time again for Tim’s Tipple!

    This time, Tim’s Tipple is Driftwood Spars Brewery's Codename Robin!

    As winter draws in here on the Cornish coast, a bold Robin has taken to sneaking into our brewer's yard at every opportunity. We see it as a good omen and thought we'd brew an extra special beer in honour of our new companion.

    A 7%, Gingerbread Stout - Rich molasses and gingerbread notes on the nose followed up by a smooth, roasty dark chocolate flavour, finishing with a lingering gingerbread finish to compliment the malt sweetness.

    It's even gluten-free!

    Come down to the pub and try this exceptional brew - you won’t want to miss it! See you soon at The Drifty!

    #TimsTipple #BrewPub #StAgnes #StAgnesCornwall #DriftwoodSparsBrewery #CraftBeer #BrewPub #DriftwoodSpars #Cheers #CAMRA #CAMRACornwall #CornwallCAMRA

  • Cornwall CAMRA Christmas Lunch at the Royal Oak, Lostwithiel Friday 13 December 2024

    Lostwithiel is an exceptional place for several reasons. Founded not long after the Norman Conquest it was built by the lords of nearby Restormel Castle and became the capital of Cornwall in the 13th century. Today it still contains several historic buildings and the pack-horse bridge over the River Fowey at its tidal limit. It is one of the five Stannary Towns in Cornwall and was the scene of an important battle between the Roundheads and Cavaliers in 1644 (the Cavaliers won). An unusual fact of Lostwithiel is the coincidence of the St Michael and St Mary currents, or ley lines, at the church which itself contains some intriguing features. These currents course from near Land's End all the way to the Norfolk coast. St Michael runs along the road over the bridge and past the Globe Inn while St Mary goes right through the King's Arms and runs across the railway station.

    Jolly members of Cornwall Branch converged on the Royal Oak in Duke Street on Friday 13 December 2023, hoping for good luck.

    We certainly got that in the line-up of cask beer put on for us by Graham and Simon – Sharp’s Atlantic, Sea Fury and St Austell Proper Job.

    The Christmas fare was also excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed the event.

    Cheers, Simon, Graham and team!

    Merry Christmas and a Hoppy New Year

    Steve Barber

  • Brendon Arms Bude Car Park Closure Friday 6 December 2024

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    Public service announcement!

    We will be closing our car park this coming Monday (December 9th) until Thursday (December 12th) for essential tree maintenance.

    The car park must be empty by midnight on Sunday the 8th of December.

  • Blisland 30 Thursday 5 December 2024

    Firebrand Brewing co have brewed the Blisland Inn a beautiful session bitter, to celebrate their 30 years.

    Cracking pint at only £3.30

  • CAMRA Cornwall Visits Driftwood Spars and Mason Breweries Thursday 28 November 2024

    There was another mildly momentous first for Cornwall Branch, or at least a revival since 2019, on Thursday 28 November following the first Beer Festival 12 days before. This time it was the resumption of visiting our wonderful Cornish breweries. The last time was in December 2019 at St Ives at Marco’s original site before he moved to his new, much larger premises in Hayle.

    Val & Kevin kindly organised visits for us to Driftwood Spars in Trevaunance Cove and then to Mason's Brewery in Threemilestone. Two breweries in one day!

    Starting at the Driftwood Spars pub at 12:45, we settled in for a pint or three from the bar. Head Brewer Tim Lawrence came over from the brewery next door to give us a talk about his plans for the brewery.

    At least one of the Tasting Panel members present completed tastings for Tim’s Jester (a golden ale) and Stippy Stappy (a New World IPA), followed by Pete Martin’s gorgeous, award-winning Alfie’s Revenge (a Strong Ale).

    Tim then took us over the road to the brewery to show us the kit that he uses to brew traditional and craft beers. He drew off a sample of fermenting beer for us to try. Woo!

    Val and Kevin were proud to show me the glass lid of a small brewing vessel that Pete had etched to celebrate their happy event.

    After thanking Tim for his hospitality, we walked up Quay Road to get the bus to Threemilestone. Guided into the huge industrial estate by those who have beaten a path to the taproom before, we arrived at Mason's Brewing Company as darkness fell.

    Head Brewer and proprietor Mike Mason welcomed us to his clean and smart unit that he has decorated to look as pub-like as possible. The taproom takes up most of the space, with the brewery alongside one wall.

    Mike gave us a brief chat about his brewery and vision while we sampled a few beers. His Three Spires Pale ale was on handpump plus several craft beers on keg including the tasty Baltic Porter (I like dark beers!).

    At the far end of the room was a proper bar complete with four handpumps and a row of taps.

    Mike’s taproom makes a welcome second pub for the village (the Social Club is members only). Cheers, Mike!

    A very successful day out for all.

    Thanks to Val and Kevin, Tim and Mike.

    Words and photos by Steve Barber

  • Bell Inn, Launceston Wednesday 27 November 2024

    The Bell Inn, Launceston’s much loved real ale haven, is on the market due to the landlord’s impending retirement. On Thursday December 5th at 7pm we are holding a meeting for people interested in keeping the pub as it has been for the last 6 years, at the Bell Inn.

    We are looking for people with knowledge of pub management, potential investors, experience of acv procedures and other areas that may be useful to us. Could you possibly draw this to the attention of our members in the county.

    We already have a number of potential investors and landlord accommodation would also be available . Any help or support you could offer would be greatly appreciated. My thanks in anticipation, Chris Ham

    ku.oc.liamtoh@56mahsirhc

  • Betty Stogs Charity Presentation Wednesday 27 November 2024

    At the Taphouse Riverside Jules England presented Betty Stogs with £100. This was the proceeds from a charity raffle from the recent CAMRA beer festival.

    A huge thank you to everyone that purchased tickets and a special thank you to Betty Stogs (Fred) for all of the hard work in raising monies for charity.

  • Betty Stogs Presentation Wednesday 27 November 2024

    Paul Waller (Chairman) is to present £100 to Betty Stogs Charity from the proceeds of the raffle at the recent Mini Beer Festival in Vogue.

    Thursday 28th November at 7.30 in the Taproom Riverside, Truro home of Skinners/Goodh brewery.

    Members welcome to come along.

  • Calling all Publicans Wednesday 27 November 2024

    Calling all publicans!

    Airbnb is offering three cherished pubs in England and Wales a £10,000 cosmetic makeover of their guest room and support with hosting from the Airbnb Community Team as part of an exciting new project in partnership with CAMRA.

    Let Airbnb know how your pub supports your local community and why you would be a great Airbnb host before 11.59pm GMT on 31 December 2024 to take part.

    Find eligibility rules and apply here:

    https://ow.ly/E7Os50UgyK5

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  • St Austell Cask Club Wednesday 27 November 2024

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    This week's Cask Club release is Off Leash

    Brewed by Rob Alder, Off Leash is the beer-ification of those late year walks with the dog, as the leaves lose the last of their colour and you start longing for the fireside seat with a robust beer in your hand.

    Centennial and Amarillo hops offer flavours of orange, whilst Northern Brewer hops add a light and fresh mintiness - reminscent of the cold air biting at your nose.

    The robust malt base brings a warmth in notes of toffee a biscuit, creating a truly delicious beer that's as refreshing as it is comforting. Cheers!

    Our exclusive Cask Club sees our latest innovative Small Batch Brewery releases brought to select pubs across the West Country. It’s the ultimate way to sample the exceptional flavours of our limited-edition cask beers, but be quick; once it’s gone, it’s gone!

    Our exclusive Cask Club sees our latest Small Batch Brewery releases brought to select pubs across the West Country. It’s the best way to sample the exquisite flavours of our limited-edition beers. Keep an eye out for a calendar of unique brews across our managed and tenanted pub estate. WHERE'S SERVING?

    Find a pub near you https://staustellbrewery.co.uk/beers-brewery/cask-club/#serving

    SEASON 3

    TEREBA NESSA Available from the 23rd of August, brewed by Andy Routledge.

    GOALIE'S CHOICE Available from the 30th of August, brewed by Sebastian Powell.

    AUTUMN BRONZE Available from the 6th of September, brewed by Oscar Kavanaugh.

    RYE ALWAYS ME? Available from the 20th of September, brewed by Lee Reed-Bennett.

    OSSTELL Available from the 27th of September, brewed by Barnaby Skerrett & George Young.

    PINEY THE ELDER Available from the 4th of October, brewed by Felix Granell.

    FRIDAY BEER Available from the 18th of October, brewed by George Young.

    SMALL SIMPLE PLEASURES Available from the 25th of October, brewed by Jack Stirrup.

    CAPTAIN'S TIPPLE Available from the 1st of November, brewed by Lee Small.

    QUANTOM HOP Available from the 15th of November, brewed by Barnaby Skerrett & Charles Faram.

    OFF LEASH Available from the 22nd of November, brewed by Rob Alder.

    THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE Available from the 29th of November, brewed by Mark Heamen.

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  • Treens Launch Winter Ale Tuesday 26 November 2024

    TREENS CLOUD CUCKOO

    This warming winter ale is matured for a minimum of 6 weeks in our cellar to ensure a full and smooth flavour. Deep ruby, full-bodied strong malty ale. Plum and soft fruits dominate followed by a smooth roasted finish.

    The name reminds us of our early years “Cuckoo Brewing”.

    A silver in the Strong Milds category at the 2024 CAMRA South-West regionals, where it has been a consistent winner for several years.

    Available from Saturday 7th December at the CAMRA Social at the Stag Hunt.

  • CAMRA Cornwall Presentation to the Star at Vogue and Beer Festival Saturday 23 November 2024

    Saturday November 16th was at least mildly momentous in the recent history of Cornwall CAMRA.

    We had our first CAMRA beer festival since 2019! That was of course the last official Falmouth festival, but this one was on a much more manageable scale.

    Falmouth had become a 200+ cask behemoth whereas this was 16 casks and 4 ciders.

    The excellent venue was the large garden marquee at The Star at Vogue pub.

    During the course of the afternoon Cornwall CAMRA Chairman Paul Waller presented the Star at Vogue licensees, Mark and Rachel Graham, with their award for winning Cornwall Pub of the Season (Autumn).

    The beer offering was a great balance of golden, dark and traditional styles with Cornish ales coming from Tintagel, Bude Coastal, Keltek, Driftwood Spars and Treen’s. As a special "guest of honour" there was a cask of Penzance Mild to celebrate its recent gold award in its category at the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain competition. Devon was represented by Exeter Brewery, and it was in fact their excellent organic ale Avocet which was voted "Beer of the Festival". There was real cider on offer from Trevor's Cider Farm at Baldhu.

    There was evening musical entertainment from Trevor Kemp and Matt Partridge & Casi, and the raffle raised a triple figure sum for the Betty Stogs charity.

    This event was pretty much put together lock, stock and all the barrels by Paul Waller so massive thanks go to him along with his helpers Paul K, Mike, Peter plus Jules and Luke, and of course Mark and Rachel at the Star.

    Words by Russ Durbridge. Photos by Steve Barber

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  • Looking for social venues across Cornwall Friday 22 November 2024

    CAMRA Kernow (Cornwall’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale) is looking for pubs or clubs across Cornwall to host our members for social events. These gatherings celebrate the best of real ale, cider, and community spirit, providing a great opportunity for venues to showcase their offerings to our members.

    We are interested in venues of all sizes and locations within Cornwall and would love to discuss hosting possibilities with you.

    If this sounds of interest, please get in touch with me directly at:

    Paul Waller Phone: 07465 735333 Email: ku.gro.armac.llawnroc@namriahc

    Thank you for considering hosting CAMRA Kernow. We look forward to hearing from you!

    Cheers,

  • Pub of the Season - Winter 24 Nominations Thursday 21 November 2024

    CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Season - Autumn 2024 nominations so far are

    Ship Inn, Porthleven

    Good options for Indian Summer or Autumn gales - outside seating and good walking or storm watching from cosy interior! usually a good range of beers on tap, in terms of breweries and styles. Usually a good range of beers on tap, in terms of breweries and styles. Good food, reasonable prices. Welcoming and helpful staff.

    Send any nominations to ku.oc.armac.llawnroc@sdrawabup

  • CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Season Autumn 2024 Tuesday 29 October 2024

    The Cornwall Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, CAMRA Kernow, is proud to announce that its “Pub Of The Season” for 2024/5 is The Star at Vogue , which won a resounding vote at a recent branch meeting. It now becomes the third pub to go into the final for the Cornwall CAMRA pub of the year 2025. The nominated pubs were judged on a variety of qualities including: Quality of real ale/cider Style/décor/furnishings/cleanliness Service/welcome/offering Community focus and atmosphere Alignment with CAMRA principles This deserving winner is an innovative community focussed village inn and offers library and hairdressing services alongside numerous other activities and events. Obviously the beer is always spot on and 5 changing real ales are served by knowledgeable, friendly staff. Licensees Mark and Rachel Graham commented “This is great news for the Pub and the team at the Star Inn. Thank you CAMRA for this award”. Chair of Cornwall CAMRA will be making the presentation to coincide with the Star’s beer festival on Saturday November 16th. We hope to see you there.

  • CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Season - Autumn 2024 nominations Tuesday 15 October 2024

    CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Season - Autumn 2024 nominations are

    Star Inn, Vogue

    Always a good selection of real ales and a welcoming community feel about the place. great place to go and meet up with friends. Friendly and knowledgable staff. Good to take the dogs too so they can run in the adjacent field. All in all a great old fashioned boozer. 


    Ship Inn, Porthleven

    Good options for Indian Summer or Autumn gales - outside seating and good walking or storm watching from cosy interior! usually a good range of beers on tap, in terms of  breweries and styles. Usually a good range of beers on tap, in terms of  breweries and styles. Good food, reasonable prices. Welcoming and helpful staff.

     

    Send any nominations to ku.oc.armac.llawnroc@sdrawabup

     

  • 17/08/2024 Branch meeting agenda Friday 16 August 2024

    Something has gone wrong with our members page so the agenda for tomorrows branch meeting can be accessed below.

    17/08/2024 Branch Meeting Agenda

  • CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Season - Summer 2024 nominations Thursday 15 August 2024

    CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Season - Summer 2024 nominations are

    Rann Wartha (Wetherspoons) - St Austell, The Falcon Inn - St Mawgan, Tap Yard Riverside - Truro, The Crown - Penzance, Blisland Inn - Blisland, The Moth and Moon - Falmouth

  • Monday 12 August 2024

    Thank you to all the attendees from CAMRA Kernow who joined us for the Tap Takeover by Tintagel Brewery at the Rann Wartha in St Austell on Thursday, 8th August 2024. Your presence made the event truly special!

    Cheers to great beer and even better company!

    Congratulations to Tintagel Brewery for being awarded the Gold Medal Certificate for their beer, Caliburn, at the South West Regional CAMRA Beer Awards! This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of their brew. Well done to the entire Tintagel Brewery team!

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1101094308138046&set=a.610426830538132&__cft__[0]=AZVo62RLBf9uWA7BHDdOmcYBPsuUG6CavZvcs9fNPtnGyHAx4pE3rS6t0nVxrUO_OBlAjWPIDN6y-aSba-0YVCfIg3z1lmNsPAYiMrrXd-TrrHBL-paY5mfyYCee_yF1z6wgCUFezl-pW3Uq_iQm-ul1A9B2f5U7tguLa3XMAUDQgXiCrclwQwcxSFKmsUekXU0-PgNeO5Ua05FrJ_u-NYUs&__tn__=EH-R

  • Cornwall CAMRA presentation for Pub of the Season - Spring 2024 to the Old Ale House, Truro Monday 8 July 2024

    The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is delighted to announce that the Old Ale House in Truro has been awarded the prestigious Pub of the Season title.

    The presentation ceremony took place on Saturday, 6th July, and saw a large turnout of CAMRA members who gathered to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

    The award recognises the Old Ale House for its outstanding dedication to serving top-quality real ale and creating a warm, welcoming environment for its patrons. This accolade underscores the pub’s commitment to traditional brewing methods and its role in fostering a vibrant community spirit.

    Jack and his team at the Old Ale House were honoured to receive the award, which was presented by CAMRA Chairman Paul Waller. The event was marked by cheers and applause, as the pub’s staff and loyal customers celebrated together.

    The photograph capturing the presentation to Jack and his team is included with this release, highlighting the joyous moment and the proud recipients.

    About CAMRA The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to promoting real ale, cider, and perry. CAMRA works tirelessly to support pubs and breweries, advocating for quality, choice, and community spirit within the beer and pub industry.

    Cheers, Paul Waller